Sunday, March 3, 2013

We love 'The Family'...!

That is Anasuya Devi .... birthday girl! Already clicking away!

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This appeared in Sunday Times today.....

‘The Family’
matters….

We Indians are very family minded. The
whole world knows that. We love our families. Karan Johar told us to. And made
a fortune based on that sweet and simple emotion. Others have also realized the
value of family ties in the lives of desis. They too want to make a fortune out
of them. What’s wrong with that? The Great Indian Family represents many things
to many people. Understanding how it works is the key to prospering in this
great and good land of ours. Whether we are selling movies to the masses or
helicopters to the armed forces, it is important to keep ‘The Family’ happy. In
Asian societies, it’s a little tricky, though. Where does ‘The Family’ begin
and end? Does it include the in-laws? Does the ‘Damaadji’ count as family?Foreigners
dealing with our complex family maze don’t always get it. That makes it easier
for us. We can fool them aaram se, by talking about our complicated joint
family system and the power of mighty ‘parivaar’ that dominates our society.
Where does the joint family stop? Don’t ask. For those who cannot figure it
out, we must be considerate and show them a few family soaps on television.
Those are an education in themselves. With a cast of hundreds,everybody is
related to everybody else.And everybody is out to get everybody else. If we
need to access the head of the clan, we have to negotiate our way past dozens
of middle men. Each step requires secrecy and skill.And lots of spare cash.
There are tacticians for hire, who can point in the right direction, provided
they are given a baksheesh for their efforts. The head of the family can be the
Tauji or Badi Maaji. These days, it’s generally the all-powerful Daadisa who
rules with an iron hand. She is also referred to simply as ‘Madam’ by
underlings. Going straight to ‘Madam’ is next to impossible. But there are
ways. Madam prefers to leave complicated decisions to her trusted few. These
include smart, sharp in-laws, who can be in residence within the sprawling
family bungalow or staying overseas. And that’s when the plot gets interesting.

‘The Family’ in India holds a position of
enormous privilege and power. In fact, so potent is its position, that rivals
refuse to name family members when a scandal breaks out. Actually, this suits
everyone splendidly. Indians are used to covering up for the many sins of
family members. Elders point out it is this marvelous trait that has kept us
together for centuries. They scoff at the way the West deals with the
issue. Family has little meaning there,
except in Italy, where, like in India, ‘The Family’ rules. In fact, the
similarities between India and Italy on the domestic front are incredible
indeed. Which is precisely what makes it easy for us to interact with Italians
and understand family dynamics there. Mere pass Mamma Mia hai, is the way it
works. Like us, they also support worthless family members, emotionally,
financially, legally. They cover up for the naughty ones who break rules and
get caught. They reward those who also break rules but succeed. There is an
unwritten code of honour in both
countries. Outsiders are expected to respect that and keep mum. Anybody who
challenges ‘The Family’ has to pay the price for the betrayal. This is what
protects ‘The Family’. And seals mouths. Enemies who threaten to break up
families are dealt with firmly and permanently. A deal is a deal. Whether it
involves ten bucks or 3000 crores. We are so lucky, here in India, and there in
Italy. We know in our hearts and minds that so long as we protect ‘The Family’
we are protected. The minute ‘The Family’ goes, so many heads start to roll.
This can lead to anarchy, chaos, instability, insecurity, confusion. People can
feel let down and demoralized, particularly those who have stuck to ‘The Family’
through thick and thin and supported rogue relatives during turbulent times.
Funny, how crises can lead to long term change. We are at that crossroad right
now. The biggest dilemma facing us is what to do with ‘The Family’? Will we be
reckless enough to go after the greedy ones who have received hefty kickbacks
over the years and are sitting on piles of slush funds? Will it be seen as a
witch hunt? Will the designated heir suffer for the sins of others? Can we
afford to abandon those we love and worship? If that happens, as Gabbar Singh
would ask, ‘ Phir hamara kya hoga,Kaliya?

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Celebrating excellence in theatre and stage craft, the Mahindra Group proudly presents the eighth edition of the Mahindra Excellence in Theatre Awards (META) to be held in March 2013. Recognizing and rewarding all aspects of theatre production and stage craft, META is one of the Indian theatre industry's premier awards. META provides a concrete platform to celebrate and promote theatre's varied elements like playwriting, set design, costume and light design, direction and performance. Instituted by the Mahindra Group, in continuation of their commitment to promoting the arts.

Plays will be staged at LTG auditorium and Kamani auditorium between 3rd to 8th March.

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There is a very nice saying " God gave us relatives, Thank God we choose our friends." I think Shobhaaji we have come to that crossroad where soceity is witnessing some sweet sour bitter memories of past and a wind of change in thinking and attitudes. I agree family rules still in some Indian culture esp where prosperity has taken the crown..but it is time for the daadisa and mama mia to alter some ground rules of the game. What do u think?

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